Hunter & Everage is a Montgomery dog bite lawyer, providing full-service legal support to help you receive compensation when you’re hurt by a dog. Contact us now at 704-377-9157 or message us for a consultation and start your case.
You can get compensated for a dog bite
In Alabama, 44.1% of households have a dog, and thousands of dog bites occur each year, many with serious consequences.
Victims of dog bites may receive a monetary payment, and it may be easier than you think to pursue damages. You can have a Montgomery dog bite lawyer from Hunter & Everage represent you to receive compensation for the harm that has occurred.
Montgomery Dog Bite Attorney
Hunter & Everage represents people who are hurt by a dog bite or otherwise injured by a dog.
We help people seek monetary compensation for these damages. Call or contact us online to begin.
Legal Representation for a Dog Bite
If you have been injured by a dog bite, economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost income, may be awarded. In some circumstances, pain and suffering and other non-economic damages may be claimed as well. To secure compensation for these damages, you must file a claim and pursue your case.
As dog bite lawyers serving victims in the Montgomery, AL area, Hunter & Everage represents people who have been hurt by dogs, including bites and other injuries. Let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Dog Bite Laws in Alabama
While dog bite victims may receive compensation for their injuries and damages, Alabama dog bite laws are somewhat complex when it comes to when someone can receive an award and what they may receive. In some cases, strict liability applies, wherein the dog owner may be liable without a showing of negligence.
What are the dog bite laws in Alabama?
Alabama Code § 3-6-1 creates strict liability in the following scenario:
- There is a dog bite or injury
- On property owned or controlled by the owner or if chased off the owner’s property
- Without provocation
Being on the owner’s property lawfully is assumed for people, such as meter readers, delivery people, and utility services (Ala. Code § 3-6-2). Dog owners are required to control their dogs so that when bites and injuries do occur, the law protects the victim’s rights.
You may also pursue a claim for a dog bite occurring elsewhere, such as on a sidewalk, public park, or restaurant. Alabama Code § 3-1-3 says that careless management of a vicious animal resulting in the animal running at large and causing injury creates liability in damages.
Damages for a dog bite in Alabama
Even when strict liability applies for an Alabama dog bite case, there is the question of what damages are payable. The owner may say they did not know the dog’s vicious tendencies. If true, damages are limited to economic losses. In other words, the victim doesn’t receive compensation for pain and suffering. Ala. Code § 3-6-3 requires the owner to plead and prove no knowledge of viciousness in defense of liability for non-economic damages.
As your lawyer, we fully investigate the circumstances to determine if there is a history of viciousness or evidence of the dog behaving dangerously. We pursue all avenues to maximize your results.
Economic damages may be available for a case based on negligence or a statutory violation (Ala. Code § 3-6-4).
Why you need a dog bite lawyer
With Alabama dog bite laws being somewhat complex, it’s important to have a lawyer to fully pursue your interests and respond to allegations the defense may use to try and reduce your award.
Emily’s Law
Emily’s Law is an Alabama law that creates a process to have a dog declared dangerous. If a dog causes physical injury, serious injury, or death, the county attorney may file a petition to have the dog declared dangerous. There is an investigative procedure and the right to a court hearing.
The court may order a dog euthanized if it has killed or seriously injured someone. If there is no serious injury but a propensity to cause future injury, the court may return the dog with conditions. These conditions may include securing insurance, having a locked pen, microchipping the dog, and other measures.
As your dog bite lawyer, we will investigate if any actions under Emily’s Law were taken and if they may be applicable in your case.
Representing adults and children
Unfortunately, many dog bite victims are children, and these bites may be particularly harmful.
Our Montgomery dog bite lawyers represent both adults and children.
What if the dog owner is a friend or family member?
Some dog bite victims hesitate to pursue compensation because the dog owner is a friend or family member. However, homeowners insurance often covers damages resulting from dog bites. Ask us about how this claims process works.
Local Representation, Experience You Can Trust
With more than 35 years of combined experience, Hunter & Everage is prepared to handle your legal claim. We do more than just file paperwork. We know how important your claim is to your future, and we’re here to take charge, always treating you with dignity and respect.
Talk to a Lawyer – Consultations Available
Talk to a Montgomery dog bite lawyer at Hunter & Everage. We are taking new cases now.
Contact us to learn about your legal rights and options and how we help people get fair compensation for their dog bite claims. Call or message us now.
